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But Mr Di Francesco, who has represented defendants against sexual assault charges, insisted that the touching was consensual.

The award-winning lawyer, a graduate of Birmingham University, met the woman at a wine bar near his London chambers, Highbury Corner magistrates heard.

Prosecutor Miss Dilichi Onuzo said: “He told her he was a barrister. She did not believe him and they had a conversation about whether he had a wig and gown.”

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Di Francesco was once voted 'the 13th sexiest barrister in London'

The complainant told the court she had been out with a friend. They shared champagne and wine and she drank two or three double vodkas.

After meeting Mr Di Francesco, she showed him a picture of herself in a bikini on her phone. And when the bar shut Mr Di Francesco took the woman to his chambers to prove he was who he said he was.

The prosecution alleged he pulled down her underwear and grabbed her bottom before she pushed him away.

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The case was heard at Highbury Corner magistrates

Mr Di Francesco, of Flamstead, Herts, told the court: “I got the distinct impression, rightly, that the situation was developing between us. She said, ‘Lie with me’. She lay on the floor and I lay behind her. There were points when she would turn and kiss me. I thought things were going all right. I touched her leg and her bum.

“I put my hand down the back of her tights, at which point she said, ‘Don’t do that’. I took my hand away.

“She kissed me a couple of more times. I started to think I needed to get out of there.”

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The barrister had invited the woman back to his chambers to show her his wig and gown

Mr Di Francesco said he refused an offer to go to the woman’s home. Three days later she contacted the police.

District Judge Nicholas Wattan said: “I accept that one thing led naturally to another. When the complainant gave the clear impression that he had overstepped the mark, Mr Di Francesco immediately stopped.

“Until that point he didn’t know that what he was doing may not have been with consent.”